Gabapentin adjunctive therapy in neuropathic pain states

Objective: This is a report of a trial of the new antiepileptic agent gabapentin in patients with intractable neuropathic pain. Design: A case series of patients with a diagnosis of neuropathic pain whose previous management was inadequate were given oral gabapentin in increasing doses and were followed for a minimum of 2 months, monitored for efficacy and side effects. Setting: An outpatient pain management center located within a major university medical center. Patients: Convenience sample of patients referred for management of intractable neuropathic pain. Interventions: Simplification of existing pharmacologic management, addition of gabapentin, and attempted reduction of opiate analgesic doses. Main Outcome Measures: Patient self-reports and pain scores in successive office visits. Results: Gabapentin provides analgesic activity for patients with neuropathic pain and has the advantage of a low side effect profile and drug toxicity.